Thousands of new trees, a full restoration of the amphitheatre and a new entranceway are all part of a multi-million pound restoration of “one of the jewels in Bracknell’s cultural crown”.

Richard Walton, head of parks and countryside services at Bracknell Forest Council; Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for culture; Mary Harris, Bracknell Town Council clerk; James Brooks from Gavin Jones Ltd; Ron McAllister, chief executive of South Hill Park; Chas Baily, chairman of the town council's recreation and environment committee; and Richard Scrivener, project manager mark the start of work at South Hill Park

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Thousands of new trees, a full restoration of the amphitheatre and a new entranceway are all part of a multi-million pound restoration of “one of the jewels in Bracknell’s cultural crown”.

Contractors have started the redevelopment of the grounds around South Hill Park in Ringmead, Birch Hill.

The team from Gavin Jones Ltd have been at the centre since last week working on the £4.4 million project.

It will include restoring the terrace garden, de-silting the southern lake, conserving and enhancing the woods, making new paths, re-designing the entrance, improving information for visitors, planting thousands of new trees, bushes and hedges, and restoring the amphitheatre.

The majority of the funding for the project comes from a grant of £2.3 million from the Big Lottery Fund.

The entire funding amount was secured through a bid by Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Town Council.

Councillor Iain McCracken, executive member for culture, corporate services and public protection said: “South Hill Park has long been regarded, quite rightly, as one of the jewels in Bracknell’s cultural crown.

“The restoration of the parkland is a truly exciting project and I’d like to thank both our officers and partners who have worked so hard towards turning our jointly held aspiration into a reality.

“I am delighted work has now commenced to restore our parkland and make it both more welcoming for residents and visitors and complement our nationally renowned arts centre.”

A spokesman for Gavin Jones Ltd said: “Gavin Jones Ltd is very pleased to have been awarded this prestigious local project.

“We are looking forward to working for Bracknell Forest Council on this historic open space, and specifically getting involved with the conservation of the park’s key landscape features.”

Cllr Chas Baily, chairman of Bracknell Town Council’s recreation and environment committee, said: “The town council is delighted to be a key partner in this project, which will enhance the very visible area around North Lake, which is managed by the town council.

“We are confident the planned restoration will make the park even more attractive for local people, fishermen and visitors, as well as preserving the historic aspects of the park and conserving its biodiversity.”